Mass immunizations old hat for Edmonton's MDs

Figure. When Edmonton had meningitis outbreaks last year, this little girl was one of more than 170 000 people vaccinated by personnel from the Capital Health District. During the first outbreak, says Medical Officer of Health Gerry Predy, “the decision to mass immunize was made on a Friday, the campaign was organized over the weekend, announced to the public on Monday and the first vaccine was delivered Tuesday.” During the campaign, which may be the largest ever attempted in Canada, Predy says his health district “climbed a learning curve that started straight up and stayed there.” Lessons learned about the logistical, communication and organizational strategies needed during a mass vaccination are now available in a manual from the health district's public health branch. More information is available from[email protected]. Photo by: Canapress